Prospective scientists from different various schools in the southern Free State once again showcased their creativitye in science and innovation research at the regional final of the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists.
Held at the Bloemfontein campus of the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State, on 30 July, the event attracted a total of 131 learnersfrom different schools who had created Science, Engineering and social investigation projects.
A panel of 51 judges of educators, who are specialists in the various competition categories, evaluated and scored the 92 projects that were on displayexhibition.
This was one of 35 regional finals held across South Africa. There were more e
The categoriesEntries were in the Environmental Sciences, category (13)with 13 entries followed by Social Sciences, as well as Biomedical and Medical Sciences.
Learners of the Meisieskool Oranje outshone their peers, winning themosthighest highest number of gold medals, and the most medals, overall.
A total of 56 learners received bronze medals, while 28 took silver and 14 received gold.
The Eskom Special Award winners were Lee-Ann Britz, Danicke Grobler, Micke De Andrade, Oprah Mukhebi, Chane Hoek, Rouvé Janse van Rensburg and Tsiu Masiu. Each of them received a set of Bluetooth headphones for their exceptional research projects.
Regional winners automatically qualified to compete at the Eskom Expo International Science Fair (ISF) to be held in December.
They will compete against the best performing young scientists from around the country.
Those who perform exceptionally, will stand a chance to win prizes and bursaries, along with scholarships and various opportunities. Learners also stand a chance to be selected to showcase their research or innovation at an international science fair in America, Asia, Europe and the rest of Africa.
Cecil Ramonotsi, chief executive officer of the Eskom Development Foundation, said the expo was Eskom’s strategic investment in schools, aimed at developing much-needed skills in Science, Technology, Eengineering, Mathematics and innovation (Stemi).
